Author: Brian

For the past eight years or so I've worked for a national charity helping people suffering from anxiety disorders. I have been trained by the charity and to deepen my understanding I've taken a diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I am absolutely fascinated with the brain in general, and in particular with the part that brings these disorders into play. I am also interested in literature and the arts. I took an A level in English Literature and studied towards, but never completed, a Bachelor of Arts degree with the Open University. Now I like to amuse myself by writing flash fiction stories.

Dire Straits

A flash fiction story by Brian Robinson. Large droplets of unforgiving rain lashed against Anne-Marie’s windscreen causing her wipers to go into their customary flap. She had planned to have a relaxing drive home while thinking about the cut and thrust of her late evening meeting in Chichester. Instead, she found herself craning forward trying … Continue reading Dire Straits →

The Competition

A flash fiction story by Brian Robinson. I've had some strange dreams in my time but this was something else. I dreamt was in a fine art competition with four other entrants. We each had to chose an object and suggest how it might be enhanced. This immediately felt weird because I'm not at all … Continue reading The Competition →

A Weekend in Rye

A flash fiction story by Brian Robinson. "James! It's so lovely to see you. I've been looking forward to meeting up for weeks." "Well, don't just stand there, come on in." "And I love Rye. I'm so jealous that you live here." "Yes, Rye is nice." "So, how long has it been, almost fifty years … Continue reading A Weekend in Rye →

The Darkest of Matters

A flash fiction story by Brian Robinson. What you see is not what there is: what there is is not what you see. The Vice-Chancellor clearly has a problem with being questioned detective Hardacre thought. Well, tough shit! Four people are dead, they were all found on the Cambridge campus, and that means questions have … Continue reading The Darkest of Matters →

The Shepherds Bush Treasure

A flash fiction story by Brian Robinson. Every child's dream "This really is a lovely house, it is Georgian of course, full of character, and full of history too. It has so many stories to tell. In the nineteenth century for example, Robert Louis Stevenson was a regular visitor. His close friend lived here in … Continue reading The Shepherds Bush Treasure →

Gin with a Twist

By Brian Robinson. Gin with a Twist I could see the pain etched into her face, the sadness, the sense of betrayal. She had begged me to leave this alone. It’s too dangerous she’d said, but I wasn’t going to be told. Anita was my best friend. And I was determined to set things straight. … Continue reading Gin with a Twist →

Anxiety: Blushing Part 4: The Problem of Self

By Brian Robinson. If you've read parts 1, 2 and 3 you're probably wondering when we're going to get to the heart of the matter. You may also be wondering why Exposure Therapy doesn't seem to work with social phobia. For example, a man with a supermarket phobia simply has to visit the supermarket repeatedly, … Continue reading Anxiety: Blushing Part 4: The Problem of Self →

Anxiety: The Coronavirus

By Brian Robinson. A new test for us all. People suffering with health anxiety will be finding life difficult enough without the added complication of the Coronavirus. On the other hand, I recently heard a doctor say that we should all be acting like someone with Contamination OCD. So, should we all be feeling anxious; … Continue reading Anxiety: The Coronavirus →

Anxiety: Blushing Part 3: The Practical Pathway

By Brian Robinson. My it's hot in here. If you've read part 2, you will have met with the idea that it makes sense to at least take a brief look at what practical steps may be taken to tackle the problem of blushing. Even if that turns out to be a dead end, it … Continue reading Anxiety: Blushing Part 3: The Practical Pathway →